Position overview
Position title: Project Scientist - ASCEND Program
Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $80,200 - $121,700. The posted 2026-2027 UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position: Project Scientist . "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Application Window

Open date: September 22, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 22, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description

Position Duties - As a critical member of the research team, the Project Scientist will contribute to the conceptualization, planning, development, and implementation of research studies and be responsible for major contributions to scientific writing, grant writing, and presentations of research findings, including: collaborating on the development and implementation of strategic research grant proposals; establishing strategic partnerships with other researchers and entities vital to project success; participating in the collection, organization, management, analysis, and presentation of research data, including preparing scientific reports, manuscripts and presentations for academic and community audiences; collaborating with faculty investigators and staff to address publication, other dissemination and research program priorities; utilizing continuous improvement methodologies to evaluate and ensure that future plans and processes are informed by research findings. This position is designed to support the educational initiatives for students from the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, Health Sciences and main campus who have the desire to improve health-related research and in associated research and clinical professions.

At UC San Diego, Project Scientists are academic researchers who are expected to make significant and creative contributions to a research team, but are not necessarily leaders of the research team. They are not required to carry out independent research or develop an independent research reputation but will publish and carry out research or creative programs with supervision by a member of the Professor or Professional Research series.
University and public service are encouraged but not required, and they do not have formal teaching responsibilities.

The appointment will be at Assistant or Associate Project Scientist level based on background and experience.

Appointments and duration vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding.

A link to the full description of the series is provided for your review:
Project Scientist (APM-311)

School: https://hwsph.ucsd.edu/

Program: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/educational-programs/advancing-substance-use-disorder-counselor-education-and-development

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Candidates must have a PhD, DrPH, or other doctoral degree related to Public Health.

Candidates must have at least 3 years of demonstrated experience providing professional scientific and/or educational presentations.

Preferred qualifications
Candidates with at least 3 years of strong scientific writing experience, including manuscript preparation, research protocols, delivery of educational programming, or demonstrated experience in program evaluation, are preferred.

Candidates with at least 3 years of proven record of peer-reviewed publications are preferred.

Candidates with at least 2 years of experience working with first-generation college students, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and/or underrepresented communities are preferred.

Candidates with five+ years' experience in supervisory or administrative roles in the conduct of health promotion, behavioral intervention, epidemiological, basic science, or social sciences research are preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research - Please include a description of prior experience working on research teams, in addition to addressing how you meet the listed qualifications of the position
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04654

Help contact: [email protected]
Job location

San Diego, CA